Fashion is huge throughout the world. It is a universal medium, allowing people to express themselves through their clothing. Everyone has at one point debated on what to wear; whether it is for that special date, the horrifying interview, meeting their dates’ parents for the first time, or some like me, take at least four wardrobe changes to finally decide on the perfect outfit every morning.

I spend the majority of my time in the morning in my closet. I love fashion; I often dazzle at the wonderful creations of Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Gucci, and the list goes on. Everybody I believe has their favorite fashion designer, simply because they might like the way the clothes fit, or the material, or even the eccentric designs the artist may use. Shopping with friends I realized everyone has their own opinion on style and what is fashionable. Sometimes we might find a top and wish the designer added sequins, or extra buttons, or made it in a different color, but unfortunately we either must settle, or keep searching for the perfect top. Fashion designer Ermelinda Manos does not settle, she gets inspired and goes straight to work.

I met the fabulous Ermelinda Manos. An innovative upcoming fashion designer, who growing up took one look at Valentino and Channel and knew fashion was her true calling. As a child Manos would always play dress up in her mother’s clothes. What made her excursions through her mother’s closet so different from the average little girl was her keen eye for fashion. Manos had expensive taste, taking her mother’s designer dresses and altering them to fit her. As she got older, her love for fashion never faded. After high school, she knew enrolling in a fashion institute was the right career path for her. Soon she began to intern for various designers and began to get a taste of the fashion world in action. However, she soon learned that being in someone else’s shadow and watching them call the big shots was not enough. The job added to her desire of one day designing her very-own line. With her families support, at 24 Ermelinda Manos launched her own line.

Our team at Runway Icon was the first to get an inside look at her 2010 Fall Collection, inspired by 50’s glam. Manos presented a wide range of styles, from long evening gowns to beautifully crafted silk tops. This fall lines collection consisted of a lot of beautiful animal print. One of my favorite pieces was a long brown empire waste gown with subtle pieces of animal print worn by model Gretchen Camrath.  The dress was designed in a way that accentuates every curve and falls very gracefully. After wearing the dress Camrath was amazed, “This dress is so comfortable and it feels so good.” While modeling the dress, Camrath definitely got the attention of pedestrians, a couple people stopped and made sure to get the designers name. Manos very humbly took the credit and shifted the attention towards the models. In the midst of all this action, like a true fashion designer, Ermelinda Manos was inspired for next seasons Fashion line. You go girl!

If you are not a big fan of animal print, not to worry, her other pieces are simply stunning.  Her line is very comfortable and elegant, bringing back the 50’s and adding a little more modern flavor with a hint of sexy. Model Sheida Sheikhpour wore a very flattering sequenced dress. Ladies, this Little Black Dress (LBD) is perfect for every occasion!  It is sexy and form fitting but still very comfortable. Sheikhpour did not want to take the dress off, she was quick to say, “I love this dress! Ermelinda is so talented; I want to take home her whole line. I wear one and want it and then wear another piece and want that one too. This is dangerous. ” Her simple, yet glamorous pieces further prove Manos knows style. If you need an eye catching design, Ermelinda Manos is the perfect designer.

As a designer, Manos gets her inspiration from all parts of the world. Being of Albanian descent and growing up in Greece allowed her to become very familiar with European fashion. In her interview Manos claimed, “I am European. I love curves. We all love curves. I think that’s true beauty. In Europe that’s a real woman and that’s how I grew up.” Her fall line definitely has hints of European infused with American fashion. Her diverse cultural background is reflected on her style and the designs she creates. One of the most important things for Manos was making sure her fashion is for every woman, no matter what height, shape, or size.  During her interview Manos said, “Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. I want to be the designer to accentuate that beauty and make a woman feel beautiful.”  After seeing her fall collection, I am certain Ermelinda Manos has the talent to go far in the fashion industry.  At the age of 24, Manos is one step closer to conquering the fashion industry. Her young age, her diverse cultural background, and her unique style make Manos a force to be reckoned with.

Article by Elsa Sheikhpour

Photography by Arnold Panganiban, Al Fua & AC